Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #417

Background

Since the instant-classic "Power and Responsibility" storyline two years ago,
two mystery men have walked the Spider-Verse. Judas Traveller is a seemingly
omnipotent demigod fascinated by evil and its seeming obsession with Spider-Man.
The other enigmatic figure is Scrier, Traveller's accomplice and long time (long
as in centuries, apparently) friend. But, is all as it seems? Last issue, we
found that Scrier was working behind Traveller's back, allied with Gaunt,
another mystery man, and his mysterious employer. Too many mysteries? Here are
some answers.

The book opens with an insight to Peter Parker's dream. Instead of featuring
Mary Jane, as one would expect, Peter's dream warns Peter of danger, through the
voice of Judas Traveller. Apparently, something is up.

This becomes increasingly obvious as Boone, Medea and Mr. Nacht, all members of
Traveller's Host, hunt Chakra (another Host member). They, at the bidding of
Scrier, have turned against Traveller already. Chakra needs help, so who does
she turn to? Whose name is on the cover, bub? Chakra recruits Ben Reilly, the
magnificent Spider-Man, and gives him the whole story behind Judas Traveller. In
reality, he is not at all as omnipotent as he seems.

Traveller is a mutant with abilities to alter people's perceptions of reality,
but most of his power comes from technology supplied to him by Scrier. And what
of Scrier? Is he, at least, anything like what he seems to be? Stop reading if
you hate disappointment, true believer. As Spider-Man and the Host renegades
duke it out, it is revealed to us that the being known as Scrier for all this
time is, in fact, a mystic cult of many people who all disguise themselves in
the same shadowy garb. No special powers; no fancy origin. The multiple Scriers
are easily defeated as Peter Parker joins Spider-Ben. Traveller is freed, and
leaves. Angered by his failure, Gaunt kills the lead Scrier, who we've seen
since P & R. Another storyline comes to a wretchedly disappointing close.

General Comments

When I finished this book, I sat for a while to let it all sink in. I had been
waiting for Scrier to rise against Traveller since the "Mark of Kaine"
storyline, but now that it's here I wish I could forget the whole thing.
Traveller's return itself seems insignificant, except that some mysteries
surrounding him are answered as more spring up in their place. Did Traveller
know Scrier's true identity? Have Traveller and "Scrier" really lived for
centuries? How did Chakra get her powers, or are those a hoax, as well? How did
all those Scriers get so big if they're just ordinary guys? This book shows just
how dangerous it can be to ask for answers before writers can provide good ones
for us. I hope that the Book of Revelations proves to be better than this.

Even the art seemed second-rate in this book. There were a few strong spots, but
most of the pencils in this book seemed amazingly similar to the
Buscema-Williamson team which just left Spectacular. Overall, this comic left me
a little underwhelmed.